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Police operation targets rogue traders

AN operation to tackle rogue traders working in the Wycombe district was carried out by police and Trading Standards last week.

Thames Valley Police teamed up with neighbourhood watch groups and Wycombe District Council as it looks to clamp down on bogus traders.

The mobile police station set-up shop in Park Parade in Hazlemere and Brindley Avenue in Downley, as officers handed out 1200 leaflets to raise awareness and offer safety advice to residents about rogue traders.

Officers visited elderly residents at more than 100 properties in the two villages to advise them about spotting and tackling fraudulent traders.

Police and trading standards officers also carried out spot-checks on traders working in the area and used automatic number plate recognition cameras to pull over 30 trade vehicles to ensure everything was above board.

Acting Inspector Michael Morland said: “We pitched the operation to focus on raising awareness and offering support to members of our community who are more at risk to rogue traders, which is often elderly people”.

“Joint partnership working was the key to our success and the feedback has been hugely positive.

“The final day we utilised ANPR to carryout enforcement, most drivers who we spoke to were extremely positive and supported our work, we also gathered valuable intelligence which will help ongoing initiatives.

“The operation proved most tradespersons are reputable hardworking people, who are just as determined as us to locate and deal with rogue traders.”